Campaign launched against $7 GP co-payment

The $7 co-payment for GPs could further widen the health gap for Aboriginal Australians.

CLOSING the gap in Aboriginal health faces setbacks if Australians are forced to pay to see a GP, south-west health groups fear.

South-west organisations have echoed national concerns that the $7 co-payment for GPs could further widen the health gap for Aboriginal Australians.

The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) is this week launching a campaign against the move — still yet to clear the Senate.

Winda Mara Corporation chief executive Michael Bell said the payment would place a barrier in front of people trying to use its clinic and undermine health prevention.

“We will struggle with the co-payment. Getting Aboriginal people to come to our service has been a significant achievement,” Mr Bell said.

“We’ve had a steady growth in the number of people using the clinic and over 90 per cent of those people are low-income earners.” South-west Aboriginal groups attended meetings in Melbourne last Wednesday on how to respond to the shake up.

Kirrae Health Services chairman Brian Davis there was some uncertainty over a shake-up of Aboriginal health funding.

“We really don’t know what’s been included at this stage or where we’re going to be,” Mr Davis said.